Jeff Gorton gives timeline on general manager search, comments on Ducharme's status as head coach

Montreal Canadiens Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton met with the media for the first time since being hired on November 28th.

During his press conference, Gorton was asked a number of questions, especially regarding the team's search for a new General Manager after Marc Bergevin was let go following nine and a half years with the organization.

"we're going to look for somebody a little outside the box, and maybe complement me," Gorton said.

Gorton on GM search, he says «we're going to look for somebody a little outside the box, and maybe complement me.»— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 3, 2021

Gorton told reporters that he doesn't intent on hiring a new General Manager until after Christmas. As for a new head scout, he doesn't have a specific timeline for that hire.

The Former New York Rangers General Manager was also asked about head coach Dominique Ducharme. Ducharme was named interim Head Coach in late-February after the team fired Claude Julien. While the vast majority of fanbase has seemingly turned against Ducharme, Gorton committed to him as the team's head coach for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. It's unclear what the plans are coaching wise beyond this season.

#Habs Gorton's timeline for priorities:
1. GM — after Christmas
2. Head scout — TBD

Is the head coach safe until the end of the season: «Yes.»@TSN_Edge— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) December 3, 2021

Gorton also said Montreal is getting a new analytics department.

"We need to build that out better. We need to modernize it. I believe in it."

#Habs Gorton said he plans to implement an analytics department: «We need to build that out better. We need to modernize it. I believe in it.» @TSN_Edge— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) December 3, 2021

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